Psychology Advisory
Handbook
This handbook was prepared by
Cindy Miller-Perrin
and
Tomás Martínez
This handbook is dedicated to
Dr. Ola Barnett
whose 28 years of service to the psychology major
have made a significant impact on so many students.
Welcome to Pepperdine University's Psychology Major! The psychology faculty has prepared this
handbook for you, regardless of whether you are a freshman considering a major area of study, a
sophomore contemplating the uncertainty of your future, or someone who simply wants to know more
about the psychology major or psychology in general. The handbook contains information pertaining to
advising procedures in the psychology department; the psychology curriculum and faculty; career,
research, and graduate school opportunities in psychology; and the organizations, honors, and activities
available to Pepperdine psychology students.
As you read this handbook, the panorama of psychology will open before you. You will learn about the
opportunities and requirements of our major, the challenges of careers and graduate education, and the
rewards of a life dedicated to a discipline that is both rigorously scientific and genuinely humane. As
you progress through our curriculum, you will discover those areas of specialization within psychology
that will capture your interest and, around which, you can build your future. It is suggested that once you
review the information in this booklet, that you make an appointment with your psychology faculty
advisor, in order to answer any of your remaining questions or clarify the information contained within
the handbook. The psychology faculty wants to take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck in all
your academic endeavors. We hope that the information in this handbook will serve you well.
The mission of the Pepperdine University Psychology Faculty is to prepare students for their academic,
professional, and personal futures by providing them with a well-balanced undergraduate education in
psychology. As students progress through this educational process, they develop as individuals; acquire
the knowledge, skills, and experiences of liberally-educated persons; and learn the principles, theories,
methods, ethics, and applications of contemporary psychology. This process occurs in a challenging
academic atmosphere characterized by a faculty dedicated to student development, active scholarship,
professional activities, and community service.
Psychology is the study of human and animal behavior (normal and abnormal) and the psychological,
social, and biological processes related to that behavior. Psychology is a science, an academic discipline,
and an exciting profession. The diverse nature of the field of psychology endows the discipline with a
uniquely multifaceted nature. As scientists, psychologists are concerned with the careful and systematic
observation of behavior and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of empirical data. As academics,
psychologists are immersed in the abstract realm of theoretical interpretations and ethical controversies.
As professionals, psychologists are dedicated to solving human problems, improving the lives of
individuals, and preserving the dignity of human beings.
The American Psychological Association (APA) currently recognizes the following 56 subfields in
psychology that are represented as divisions within the Association.
Divisions of the American Psychological Association
1. Society for General Psychology
2. Society for the Teaching of Psychology
3. Experimental Psychology
4. There is no Division 4
5. Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics
6. Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology
7. Developmental Psychology
8. Society for Personality and Social Psychology
9. Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI)
10. Society for the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts
11. There is no Division 11
12. Society of Clinical Psychology
13. Society of Consulting Psychology
14. Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
15. Educational Psychology
16. School Psychology
17. Society of Counseling Psychology
18. Psychologists in Public Service
19. Society for Military Psychology
20. Adult Development and Aging
21. Applied Experimental and Engineering Psychology
22. Rehabilitation Psychology
23. Society for Consumer Psychology
24. Society for Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology
25. Behavior Analysis
26. Society for the History of Psychology
27. Society for Community Research and Action: Division of Community Psychology
28. Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse
29. Psychotherapy
30. Society of Psychological Hypnosis
31. State, Provincial, and Territorial Psychological Association Affairs
32. Humanistic Psychology
33. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
34. Population and Environmental Psychology
35. Society for the Psychology of Women
36. Psychology of Religion
37. Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice
38. Health Psychology
39. Psychoanalysis
40. Clinical Neuropsychology
41. American Psychology-Law Society
42. Psychologists in Independent Practice
43. Family Psychology
44. Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues
45. Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues
46. Media Psychology
47. Exercise and Sport Psychology
48. Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology Division
49. Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy
50. Addictions
51. Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity
52. International Psychology
53. Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
54. Society of Pediatric Psychology
55. American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy
56. Trauma Psychology
Students studying psychology at Pepperdine University will receive an education designed to provide the
opportunity to develop the following knowledge, skills, and attitudes, helpful to future educational,
professional, and personal success.
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a solid knowledge base of psychological concepts, theories, issues, and terms
the ability to gather and synthesize information from a variety of sources
the critical thinking skills that will enable you to analyze and evaluate the knowledge you acquire
the communication skills necessary to write and speak in a clear and convincing manner
the interpersonal skills that will lead you to be tolerant of, helpful to, and successful with others
the practical experience necessary to explore and refine your post-graduate goals
Receiving a liberal arts education at Pepperdine University is more than the mere accumulation of facts; it
is the process of becoming a person who is enlivened by the confidence gained from learning new ideas,
mastering complex methods, and challenging difficult issues. Although the concept of a liberal arts
education can be traced to the ancient Greeks, its strength is not its age, but its capacity for renewal.
Pepperdine's curriculum adjusts itself to the times by reflecting changes in society, in students, and in the
university itself. It stresses the development of ethical values, social responsibility, and a commitment to
life-long learning. The psychology department contributes actively to Pepperdine's tradition of a liberal
arts education by providing its students with an abundance of relevant and current information in a
tolerant and open-minded atmosphere. The psychology department is designed for students who seek a
challenging undergraduate experience during which they can explore their potentials and expand their
horizons in an atmosphere that stresses academic excellence, clear expectations, and faculty support.
THE FACULTY
An Introduction to the Faculty
Pepperdine University's Psychology Department has an active and scholarly faculty whose educational
background, research and professional interests reflect the full spectrum of current psychological thought.
All full-time members of the department hold doctoral degrees from well-respected graduate programs.
Khanh-Van T. Bui
DEGREE: Ph.D., Social Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
TEACHES: PSYC 250, PSYC 310, PSYC 333, PSYC 334, PSYC 442
EXPERTISE: social psychology, statistics
PUBLICATION AREAS: academic achievement, adolescent issues, relationships
OFFICE: Appleby Center 235
PHONE: (310) 506-4805
E-MAIL: Khanh.Bui@pepperdine.edu
Michael M. Folkerts
DEGREE: Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of California, Davis
TEACHES: PSYC 200, PSYC 343, PSYC 372, PSYC 373
EXPERTISE: behavioral, anatomical, and biochemical changes after traumatic brain injury
PUBLICATION AREAS: psychopharmacology, behavioral genetics, comparative animal
behavior and learning and memory
OFFICE: Appleby Center 222
PHONE: (310) 506-6487
E-MAIL: Michael.Folkerts@pepperdine.edu
Jennifer Harriger
DEGREE: Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, University of New Mexico
TEACHES: PSYC 200, PSYC 210, PSYC 322, PSYC 434, PSYC 456
EXPERTISE: developmental psychology, child clinical psychology
PUBLICATION AREAS: development of body image and eating disorders, disordered eating
and athletes, infant emotional development
OFFICE: Appleby Center 240
PHONE: (310) 506-4128
E-MAIL: Jennifer.Harriger@pepperdine.edu
Elizabeth Krumrei
DEGREE: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Ohio
TEACHES: PSYC 310, PSYC 430, PSYC 432, PSYC 590
EXPERTISE: psychology of religion and spirituality; clinical child psychology
PUBLICATION AREAS: divorce, psychology of religion and spirituality (spiritual struggles,
religious coping, spiritually-sensitive therapy)
OFFICE: Appleby Center 242
PHONE: (310) 506-4186
E-MAIL: Elizabeth.Krumrei@pepperdine.edu
Tomás E. Martínez
DEGREE: Ph.D., Community Psychology, University of Michigan
TEACHES: PSYC 210, PSYC 323, PSYC 332, PSYC 433
EXPERTISE: community/clinical psychology and mental health, cross-cultural psychology,
program/organizational psychology
PUBLICATION AREAS: Hispanic mental health systems, child abuse
OFFICE: Appleby Center 231
PHONE: (310) 506-4350
E-MAIL: Tomas.Martinez@pepperdine.edu
Cindy L. Miller-Perrin
DEGREE: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Washington State University
TEACHES: PSYC 200, PSYC 322, PSYC 434, PSYC 453, PSYC 590
EXPERTISE: child-clinical, development, research methods
PUBLICATION AREAS: child maltreatment, family violence, prevention, faith and vocation
OFFICE: Appleby Center 249
PHONE: (310) 506-4027
E-MAIL: Cindy.Perrin@pepperdine.edu
Steven V. Rouse
DEGREE: Ph.D., Personality Research, The University of Minnesota
TEACHES: PSYC 200, PSYC 210, PSYC 315, PSYC 321, PSYC 452
EXPERTISE: psychological assessment of psychopathology, personality, substance abuse
PUBLICATION AREAS: assessment of substance abuse, personality assessment
OFFICE: Appleby Center 201C
PHONE: (310) 506-7959
E-MAIL: Steve.Rouse@pepperdine.edu
Janet P. Trammell
DEGREE: Ph.D., Cognitive Psychology, University of Virginia
TEACHES: PSYC 310, PSYC 341, PSYC 342
EXPERTISE: cognitive psychology, statistics, research methods, stress and memory
PUBLICATION AREAS: mood and implicit learning, emotion and false memory
OFFICE: Appleby Center 250
PHONE: (310) 506-6947
E-MAIL: Janet.Trammell@pepperdine.edu
Faculty Biographies
Pepperdine's psychology faculty is dedicated to undergraduate teaching and professional development.
They perform research in a variety of specialties, present their results at national conferences, and publish
articles and chapters in professional journals and books. They work with various client populations, serve
as consultants to other colleges, universities, and businesses, and sponsor student-oriented projects.
Exposure to this professional involvement enables psychology majors to achieve beyond customary
expectations and to develop significant relationships with the faculty who helped them attain their goals.
The process of becoming a part of this community of scholars is the most valuable and enduring
opportunity that a college education can provide. To help students become acquainted with the
psychology faculty, autobiographies of all psychology faculty members follow.
Khanh-Van T. Bui grew up in Vietnam until the age of eight years. At the end of the Vietnam War,
her family came to the United States. They first lived in Olympia, Washington for three years before
moving to southern California. She became interested in studying psychology as a bicultural person, who
often asked why Vietnamese people think, behave, and express emotions in ways different from
Americans. She believes that psychology can provide some of the answers to this complex question. She
completed her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in social psychology at UCLA. Her personal interests include
spending time with her family, reading, and watching foreign films.
Michael M. Folkerts was born and raised in a northern suburb of Detroit, Michigan. His
undergraduate years were spent in Holland, MI where he completed a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in
Biology. After two years as a research assistant in a Sleep Disorders and Research Center at Henry Ford
Hospital in Detroit, he began his graduate career in the Biological Psychology program at Wayne State
University. This experience fueled his interests in studying brain and behavior relationships.
Specifically, his area of research focused on the behavioral, anatomical, and biochemical changes after
traumatic brain injury (TBI). His Master’s thesis examined the effects of TBI on the dendritic
neuroarchitecture within the hippocampus of the brain. He continued research in the field of
Neurotrauma at U.C. Davis where he completed a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. His dissertation focused on the
autophosphorylation of a calcium regulated protein, CaMKII, after TBI. Other teaching and research
interests include psychopharmacology, behavioral genetics, comparative animal behavior and learning
and memory. Also at U.C. Davis, he met his wife, Lydia! She is an elementary school teacher. They
were married in July of 2000 and enjoy exploring California with short weekend trips and exercising
(swimming and jogging) together.
Jennifer Harriger was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She received her B.S. in Biology
at West Chester University and her M.S. in Clinical and Health Psychology at Drexel University. She
was then hired as a research coordinator and a therapist at the Renfrew Center, an inpatient treatment
facility for women with eating disorders, in Philadelphia, PA. While at the Renfrew center, she became
interested in the factors that contribute to the development of body image and eating disorders and
decided to continue her education. She obtained her Ph.D. in developmental psychology at the University
of New Mexico. Her dissertation examined factors that predispose or protect gymnasts from disordered
eating and body dissatisfaction. Additionally, she is interested in the development of body image and the
internalization of the thin ideal in young children.
Elizabeth Krumrei grew up in Rotterdam, The Netherlands until attending Pepperdine University
where she obtained a B.A. in Psychology in 2003 and an interdisciplinary M.A. in Religion and
Counseling in 2004. Subsequently she received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State
University where she was part of a diverse research team focused on the psychology of religion and
spirituality. Her training included an emphasis in child psychology and experience working with children
and families at a community mental health center. Dr. Krumrei completed her pre-doctoral internship at
Kansas State University where she conducted individual and group therapy with college students and
taught courses. She completed her post-doctoral clinical training at the Pepperdine Counseling Center. Dr.
Krumrei continues to be fascinated by all that the field of psychology has to offer. She enjoys the
performing and visual arts, spending time outdoors, and traveling.
Tomás E. Martínez is a native Californian who attended California State University, Long Beach
where he graduated with a B.A. in Psychology in 1972. He graduated from the University of Michigan
with a Ph.D. in Community Psychology in 1979. After teaching a year at the University of California,
Riverside, he began teaching at the Seaver College campus with the graduate program in
Community/Clinical Psychology. Dr. Martinez currently holds a joint appointment with Seaver College
and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. He is a community psychologist who specializes
in mental health systems, cross cultural psychology, and family violence research related to spousal abuse
and child abuse and neglect. He is also a consulting psychologist to a non-profit mental health agency in
the San Fernando Valley.
Cindy L. Miller-Perrin spent most of her childhood in southern California after moving from
McKeesport, Pennsylvania with her family. Dr. Miller-Perrin obtained her B.A. in Psychology from
Pepperdine University in 1983. Following her undergraduate education she moved to Pullman,
Washington where she received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Washington State University.
While at Washington State University, she became interested in the study of child sexual abuse and its
prevention. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Washington where she worked
with a variety of clinical populations including gifted children, adults suffering from brain and spinal cord
injuries, developmentally delayed children, victims of child abuse, pediatric oncology patients, and
adolescents and their families. Following her doctoral studies, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at
the University of Washington where she was involved in research and clinical work with developmentally
delayed children. Most of her research and publications are in the area of child maltreatment, including
three books entitled, Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Sharing the Responsibility (1992; coauthored with
Wurtele), Family Violence Across the Lifespan (Third Edition) (2011; with Barnett and Perrin), and
Child Maltreatment: An Introduction (Third Edition) (2013; with Perrin). Dr. Miller-Perrin is married to
Robin Perrin, Sociology Professor at Pepperdine, and has two children. Dr. Miller-Perrin and her family
enjoy camping, backpacking, fishing, golf, and traveling.
Steven V. Rouse was raised in Colorado. He earned his B.S. in Psychology and his M.S. in Counseling
Clinical Psychology, both at Abilene Christian University. After short clinical experiences as a counselor at
a drug rehabilitation center and a behavior therapist at a facility for people with pervasive developmental
disorders, Steve was hired to run the psychological/educational testing department at ACU. During the three
years in this position, he became very interested in teaching university students and conducting research on
psychological assessment. He completed his Ph.D. in Personality Research at the University of Minnesota,
studying clinical personality assessment and contemporary personality research. His research has focused
on many uses of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--2 (including its use in substance abuse
treatment, sexual harassment litigation, and assessment of gender dysphoric disorder) but he has also
conducted research on other personality-related topics, such as the accuracy of personality perception
among strangers who meet in chat-rooms and self-worth based on a belief in a universally-loving God. His
wife is Stacy Rouse; they have two boys (Dominic, born in 1999, and Ian, born in 2002) and a Newdle
(Newfoundland/Poodle mix) named Cocoa. He enjoys hockey (especially the Colorado Avalanche),
camping, cooking, and watching movies.
Janet P. Trammell was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She earned her B.S. in psychology at
Birmingham-Southern College in 2004. Becoming involved in research as an undergraduate inspired her
desire to continue learning and researching in cognitive psychology. She moved to Charlottesville, VA,
where she completed her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Virginia. While at UVA, she
became interested in the effects that emotion, stress, and physiological markers of stress had on memory
and other cognitive processes. Also at UVA, she met her husband, George, who was completing his Ph.D.
degree in astrophysics. After her Ph.D., she stayed at UVA for one year as a postdoctoral research
associate. She is an avid hiker, snowboarder, and cyclist, and lover of all things outdoors. She and her
husband enjoy travel, seeing new places, and experiencing different cultures.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Academic Advising for Psychology Majors
Student development is an avowed goal of the psychology faculty, and the key to its success is a strong,
well-organized, and caring advising system. The psychology faculty believes that effective advising is
more than just keeping office hours and telling students what classes to take; it is a commitment to the
facilitation of the intellectual, social, emotional, and moral growth of each individual student as he or she
progresses through college. Because the undergraduate experience includes co-curricular as well as
academics, psychology advisers are also available to help students with their personal, social, ethical, and
career-planning development. To successfully accomplish these ends, academic advisors in psychology
strive to remain up-to-date in matters such as (a) the current policies and procedures of the college; (b) cocurricular organizations and activities; and (c) post-graduate opportunities that exist for their advisees. The
faculty's high level of availability and willingness to work in a close personal manner with students allows
them to effectively advise students in many aspects of their undergraduate experience.
The major is designed for students who (1) plan careers as professional psychologists, (2) regard
psychology as a liberal arts undergraduate foundation for subsequent training in other professions, and (3)
are generally interested in understanding human behavior. Because graduate study is usually required for
careers in the psychological professions, the major is designed to give adequate preparation for such study.
All students need 128 units to graduate. Of these, 40 units must be upper-division units. For psychology
majors, 35 of these 40 upper-division units are met by the psychology graduation requirements. The
requirements for a bachelor's degree in Psychology are 43 units. There are 8 units of lower-division
requirements, 8 units of upper-division requirements, and 27 additional upper-division units within several
mandated categories.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Lower- and Upper-Division Core Courses -- 16 units
PSYC210 Foundations of Psychology*………………………………………………………………..
PSYC250 Introductory Statistics* …………………………………………………………………….
PSYC310 Research Methods in Psychology ………………………………………………………….
PSYC315 Psychological Testing and Assessment …………………………………………………….
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
Students must earn at least a “C-” in the above four courses.
Choose one course from each content area listed below (13-16 units). The required courses listed above
are all prerequisites for all subsequent courses.
Individual Differences
PSYC321 Personality** ………………………………………………………………………………. (4)
PSYC322 Lifespan Developmental Psychology** …………………………………………………… (3)
PSYC323 Abnormal Psychology** …………………………………………………………………... (4)
Social/Group Processes
PSYC332 Cross-Cultural Psychology ………………………………………………………………... (4)
PSYC333 Social Psychology** ……………………………………………………………………… (3)
PSYC334 The Psychology of Women ………………………..……………………………………… (3)
Learning/Cognitive Principles
PSYC341 Principles of Learning** ………………………………………………………………….. (4)
PSYC342 Cognitive Processes** ……………………………………………………………………. (3)
PSYC343 Comparative Animal Behavior …………………………………………………………… (4)
Biological Principles
PSYC371 Sensation and Perception ………………………………………………………………….. (4)
PSYC372 Physiological Psychology** ………………………………………………………………. (4)
PSYC373 Psychopharmacology ………………………………………………………………………. (4)
Choose one course (3-4 units) from either the Applied Practice or the Integrative Experiences area.
Applied Practice
PSYC430 Counseling Theory and Techniques ……………………………………………………….
PSYC432 Family Therapy ……………………………………………………………………………
PSYC433 Industrial/Organizational Psychology ……………………………………………………..
PSYC434 Child Clinical Psychology …………………………………………………………………
(4)
(4)
(3)
(4)
Integrative Experiences
PSYC442 Intermediate Statistics and Computer Applications** ……………………………………. (4)
PSYC452 Psychology and Religion …………………………………………………………………. (3)
PSYC590 Research in Psychology** ……………………………………………………………….. (1-6)
PSYC595 Supervised Field Work/Internship (CR/NC only)** ……………………………………... (1-4)
*Satisfies general education requirement
**Courses especially recommended for students considering graduate work in psychology
Specialized Interest Courses
A special interest course may be taken to help fulfill the total unit requirements.
PSYC230 Interpersonal Behavior (CR/NC only) …………………………………………………….. (3)
PSYC453 Positive Psychology ……………………………………………..………………………… (3)
PSYC456 Body Image and Eating Disorders ………………………………………………………… (4)
Student Behaviors That Leave an Impression
One piece of the academic advising puzzle that is often overlooked is how student behaviors are related to
their academic success. Teachers are acutely aware of particular student behaviors that occur in their
classrooms and they often use these behaviors to form impressions of how they believe their students feel
about them and the subject matter they teach. Students are urged to read this list in order to gain a better
understanding of how their classroom behaviors are interpreted by their teachers.
Behaviors That Leave a Good Impression
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13.
coming to class prepared (completing reading assignments before class)
listening attentively
asking questions
coming to class on time
seeking help and guidance when needed
arriving for appointments on time
excelling in the class
being creative
helping students who need coaching
putting effort into the class
making personal improvements in study habits
participating in group activities
following instructions for assignments
Behaviors That Leave a Bad Impression
1.
2.
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4.
5.
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cheating, lying, plagiarism
talking during lectures
being late to class or with assignments
obvious yawning or sleeping in class
cutting class
not paying attention or acting bored/apathetic during class
being unprepared for class or meetings
packing-up books and materials before class is over
asking "Did we do anything important?" after missing class
asking "Will it be on the test?"
being more interested in grades than in learning
complaining about work load
blaming teachers for poor grades
RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY
Research Opportunities for Psychology Majors
Teaching and research are complementary academic activities that reinforce and strengthen each other,
and the psychology faculty considers student/faculty research collaboration to be an essential component
of an undergraduate education in psychology. Opportunities for such collaboration are often available in
several areas including cognitive psychology, family violence, child clinical psychology, and social
psychology. Involvement in research not only contributes to the academic training that students receive,
but is very helpful in gaining admittance to graduate programs in psychology. As a Pepperdine
psychology major, students have the opportunity to conduct original research, to collaborate closely with
faculty members, and also to attend psychology conferences to present their results to others. Past
psychology students have presented their research at regional, national, and student conventions such as:
the American Psychological Association Convention, the Western Psychological Association, and the
Rocky Mountain Psychological Association. Some sample titles of student-faculty collaborative
presentations follow:
“Multidimensional Assessment of Body Image and Problem Eating Behaviors”
“Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Child Sexual Abuse Victims: Examining Occurrence and Predictive
Factors”
“Relationship Between Interpersonal Violence and Interpersonal Control”
“Personality, Health Perceptions, and Depression”
“Relationship Between Childhood Abuse, Attachment Patterns, and Courtship Violence”
“Perfectionistic Traits Linked to Interpersonal Forgiveness”
“Competitiveness and Aggression in Parents and Children Involved in Youth Sports”
“Factors Associated with Nonparticipation in a Courtship Violence Study”
“The Relationship Between Parent Behavior and Self-Esteem in Preschool Children”
“Perceptions of Sexual Development, Sexuality, and Intimacy in Male and Female Child Sexual Abuse
Survivors”
“Self-Blame Inventory: A Scale for Assessing Battered Women”
“Parental Divorce, Androgyny, and Achievement Motivation in College Students”
“Determining the Effects of Positive and Negative Feedback on Performance in Type A and Type B
College Students”
“The Effects of Various Acquisition Criterion on Spatial Mental Model Retention”
Students can become involved in research within the psychology department through the following
available opportunities:
Psychology Honors Program - Psychology majors are encouraged to participate in the two semester
Honors Research Program, which is aimed at providing students with insight into how psychological
scientists design research projects, collect and analyze data, and communicate their results to the scientific
community. Students apply to the program in the fall semester of their junior year and are admitted to the
program based on their grade point average, career goals, successful completion of prerequisite
psychology courses (PSYC 200 or 210, 250, 310), and the degree of congruence between the topic of
students’ proposed honors projects and the expertise of the regular members of the psychology faculty.
Students are selected by a committee in the fall semester of their junior year and are notified in time for
pre-registration for the spring semester of that same academic year. Upon acceptance into the program,
students enroll in PSYC 590.01: Advanced Research Seminar. During the first semester of the program,
the student will design an original experiment including the formulation of a hypothesis, completion of a
literature review, and creation of a research design under the supervision of one of the psychology
professors. Students will be required to formally present their research proposals to the psychology
faculty and the other students in the class. Students must also take PSYC 442 prior to, or concurrent with,
the first semester of the Advanced Research Seminar. During the second semester of the program,
students will collect and statistically analyze their data. In order to complete the program, students must
present their research findings in written, APA format as a manuscript for publication as well as
successfully complete an oral research presentation before the psychology faculty and students. Upon
successful completion of these research requirements, the psychology faculty will recommend that
students’ transcripts and diplomas be marked “Honors in Psychology.” It is expected that the research
will be presented at a local, regional or national professional psychological conference.
Independent Research Study - This independent study course (PSYC 590) includes the application of
practical research skills from inception to completion of a publishable paper. Depending upon the
number of units taken, emphasis will be placed on the development of a research topic, a literature search
and review, development of a viable research design, and execution of the project. Prerequisites to enroll
in this course include completion of the required upper-division and lower-division psychology
requirements and 60 units. Students can obtain 1-6 units of credit for this course. Interested students
should contact a faculty member to request supervision.
Research Assistant - Students may volunteer as a research assistant to a psychology professor
conducting his or her own research. The areas of interest and expertise for each faculty member are listed
in this handbook. Interested students should contact the professor to ask about any research in progress
and about the availability of research assistant positions.
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative (AYURI) - Students may participate in this
program which is designed to teach students the common elements of the research process by actively
engaging them in research study with a faculty member during the academic year. Students learn how to
formulate research questions, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and communicate their results
to the academic community via presentations made during the annual Seaver Undergraduate Research
Banquet. Students interested in this program should contact a faculty member to inquire about the
possibility of being involved in this program. Students will receive one unit of scholarship (if eligible for
aid).
Summer Undergraduate Research Program - Students may participate in this program, designed to
teach students the common elements of the research process by actively engaging them in research study
with a faculty member. Students learn how to formulate research questions, design experiments, collect
and analyze data, and communicate their results to the academic community via a campus-wide poster
session. The program is offered each summer and extends over a 12-week period. Students are required
to register for a minimum of 4 units of PSYC 599 (Directed Studies) or PSYC 590 (Research in
Psychology) and may register for up to a total of 8 units over the 12-week session. Psychology faculty
recruits and selects student participants. Interested students should contact individual faculty members to
inquire about the possibility of being involved in the program.
FIELD EXPERIENCES IN PSYCHOLOGY
Community Involvement
The Volunteer Center offers a variety of programs that will increase students' experience within the field
of psychology. An advantage of being a part of a volunteer program is that it enhances the graduate
school application by showing the student's diverse experience. Such experiences will also help increase
possibilities for prospective jobs. For more information on types of programs, please contact the
Volunteer Center at (310) 506-4143 or ext. 4143.
Field Internships
The psychology department offers a specific course entitled Supervised Field Work (PSYC 595) which
may be taken for a maximum of 4 units. This course is generally recommended for students as an elective
course in their junior and/or senior years. A variety of field placements are available with such agencies
as those dealing with child abuse, adult mental retardation, drug abuse, educationally or physically
handicapped children, and children of battered women. Students can also be placed in these agencies as
volunteers, where they would gain the same experience but would not obtain school credit.
Service Learning
Pepperdine University also offers a service-learning program, which is a new approach to education.
Service Learning can be characterized by two words: relevance and flexibility. As a teaching tool,
service-learning works to build on the experiential learning theory offered by David A. Kolb. Similar to
the seven steps involved in scientific research, service-learning allows in its process the components of
experimentation, experience, reflection, and conceptualization. Service-learning is relevant because it
offers both those giving and receiving service opportunities for an enhanced understanding and,
hopefully, a better existence. Relevancy from a faculty perspective is identified in the role this first hand
experience plays in the learning process. Learning is more effectively achieved through active
experimentation as in lab experiments or fieldwork assignments. Service-learning is not much different.
Rather, it is an extension and a clarifying of that process while instilling a sense of ownership and civic
duty. Service-learning is integrated into your regular course work, and thus you will be receiving a grade
for the units. If you are interested, please speak to your academic advisor for more information.
ORGANIZATIONS, HONORS, AND ACTIVITIES
The psychology department provides information about, and opportunity for, involvement and
recognition in psychological associations, honor societies, and clubs. The psychology department
encourages its students to develop their self-confidence and leadership skills by participating in the
following organizations:
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association (APA) is a professional society of more than 70,000 teachers,
researchers, professionals, and students that advances psychology as an academic discipline, a science,
and a means of promoting human welfare. APA publishes scholarly journals, holds an annual
convention, and concerns itself with the social and ethical responsibilities of professional psychologists.
Student membership in APA is encouraged, and membership application forms are located on the
psychology bulletin board or can be obtained from Dr. Cindy Miller-Perrin, APA liaison.
Psi Chi National Honor Society
The Psi Chi National Honor Society is the national honor society for psychology students. Students who
have completed a minimum of nine (9) units of course work in Psychology with a cumulative GPA of 3.0
and who rank in the upper 35 percent of their class (e.g., sophomore, junior, senior), are eligible to apply.
Psi Chi membership is for a lifetime, and a one time fee of $50.00 covers the national registration and
chapter fees, with no monthly dues. The purpose of Psi Chi is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain
excellence in scholarship for individual members, and to advance the science of psychology. To achieve
these goals, Psi Chi offers a wide range of local, regional, and national programs. Membership in Psi Chi
not only recognizes your scholastic achievement and interest in psychology, but recognizes your
educational training as well, e.g., the caliber of your professors, the quality of the psychology curriculum,
and the accreditation of your school. At the regional level, Psi Chi members have the opportunity to
present their research papers. The national organization holds a convention in conjunction with the APA,
sponsors undergraduate research award programs, and publishes a national quarterly newsletter, free to
members and available in the GA offices. Almost all applications for graduate school and employment
ask for honors, which are difficult to obtain after one leaves school. Membership is open only as a
student; it is not available after graduation. Membership records are preserved at Psi Chi’s National
office and may be used for references without charge. Pepperdine has a vital Psi Chi club where guest
speakers, movies, and parties are arranged for members.
CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
What Choices Do I Have in the Field?
The freshman year is not too soon to be considering opportunities in the field of psychology. Although
there are many different types of psychologists, there are primarily five major areas of emphasis to
consider as possible areas of training (Wise, 1987). It is important to realize that many psychologists
perform in more than one of these roles simultaneously (e.g., the college teacher who counsels students,
performs research, consults with other teachers to improve their testing procedures, and acts as the
chairman of the department).
TEACHER -- Psychologists teach the discipline of psychology in universities, four-year and two-year
colleges, and high schools.
RESEARCHER -- Psychologists work for universities, government, the military, and business to do
basic and applied studies of human behavior.
SERVICE PROVIDER -- Psychologists work with people who are coping with problems, suffering
from emotional or mental disorders, and may also have concerns for wellness. Treatment may incorporate
the individual, child, and family.
ADMINISTRATOR -- Psychologists work as managers and directors in hospitals, mental health clinics,
nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, universities, and businesses.
CONSULTANT -- Psychologists with special skills are hired by organizations and institutions to advise,
research, study, design and organize programs, and to conduct evaluations.
Specific Subspecialties in Psychology
The field of psychology encompasses a wide variety of subspecialties. Most undergraduate degrees in
psychology focus on the breath of the field and provide an education that introduces students to the many
specialized areas of psychology. Graduate education, on the other hand, includes a more narrow focus on
an area of psychological specialization. The following description of 15 areas (from APA's Careers in
Psychology booklet) will serve as an introduction for students into several subspecialties in psychology.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: Clinical psychologists assess and treat people with psychological
problems. They may act as therapists for people experiencing normal psychological crises (e.g., grief) or
for individuals suffering from chronic psychiatric disorders. Some clinical psychologists are generalists
who work with a wide variety of populations, while others work with specific groups like children, the
elderly, or those with specific disorders (e.g., schizophrenia). They may be found in hospitals,
community health centers, or private practice.
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: Cognitive psychology deals with how people perceive, learn,
remember, and think about information. Cognitive psychologists typically work in an academic or
research setting, but the applications of their research are widespread. A cognitive psychologist might
study how people perceive various shapes, why their hear their names whispered in a crowded room, why
they forget some facts but not others, or how they play chess or solve everyday problems.
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY: Counseling psychologists do many of the same things that clinical
psychologists do. However, counseling psychologists tend to focus more on persons with adjustment
problems, rather than on persons suffering from severe psychological disorders.
Counseling
psychologists are employed in academic settings, community mental health centers, and private practice.
Recent research tends to indicate that training in counseling and clinical psychology is very similar.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY:
Developmental psychologists study how we develop
intellectually, socially, emotionally, and morally during our lifespan. Some focus on just one period of
life (e.g., childhood or adolescence). Developmental psychologists usually do research and teach in
academic settings, but many act as consultants to day-care centers, schools, or social service agencies.
EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: This area of specialization includes a diverse group of
psychologists who do research in the most basic areas of psychology (e.g., learning, memory, attention,
cognition, sensation, perception, motivation, and language). Sometimes their research is conducted with
animals instead of humans. Most of these psychologists are faculty members at colleges and universities.
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY: Educational psychologists are concerned with the study of human
learning. They attempt to understand the basic aspects of learning and then develop materials and
strategies for enhancing the learning process. For example, an educational psychologist might study
reading and develop a new technique for teaching reading from the results of the research.
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: Social psychologists study how our beliefs, feelings, and behaviors are
affected by other persons. Some of the topics of interest to social psychologists are attitudes, aggression,
prejudice, love, and interpersonal attraction. Most social psychologists are on the faculty of colleges and
universities, but an increasing number are being hired by hospitals, federal agencies, and businesses to
perform applied research.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY: School psychologists are involved in the development of children in
educational settings. They are typically involved in the assessment of children and the recommendation
of actions to facilitate students' learning. They often act as consultants to parents and administrators to
optimize the learning environments of specific students.
INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY: Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychologists
are primarily concerned with the relationships between people and their work environments. They may
develop new ways to increase productivity or be involved in personnel selection. You can find I/O
psychologists in businesses, industry, government agencies, and colleges and universities. I/O
psychologists are probably the most highly paid psychologists.
PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY: Physiological psychology is one of psychology's hottest areas
because of the recent dramatic increase in interest in the physiological correlates of behavior. These
psychologists study both very basic processes (e.g., how brain cells function) and more observable
phenomena (e.g., behavior change as a function of drug use or the biological/genetic roots of psychiatric
disorders). Some physiological psychologists continue their education in clinical areas and work with
people who have neurological problems.
ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: Environmental psychologists are concerned with the relations
between psychological processes and physical environments ranging from homes and offices to urban
areas and regions. Environmental psychologists may do research on attitudes toward different
environments, personal space, or the effects on productivity of different office designs.
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY: Health psychologists are concerned with psychology's contributions to the
promotion and maintenance of good health and the prevention and treatment of illness. They may design
and conduct programs to help individuals stop smoking, lose weight, manage stress, prevent cavities, or
stay physically fit. They are employed in hospitals, medical schools, rehabilitation centers, public health
agencies, and in private practice.
FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY: Family psychologists are concerned with the prevention of family conflict,
the treatment of marital and family problems, and the maintenance of normal family functioning. They
design and conduct programs for marital enrichment, pre-marital preparation, and improved parent-child
relations. They also conduct research on topics such as child abuse, family communications patterns, and
the effects of divorce and remarriage. Family psychologists are often employed in medical schools,
hospitals, community agencies, and in private practice.
REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY: Rehabilitation psychologists work with people who have
suffered physical deprivation or loss at birth or during later development as a result of damage or
deterioration of function (e.g., resulting from a stroke). They help people overcome both the
psychological and situational barriers to effective functioning in the world. Rehabilitation psychologists
work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical schools, and in government rehabilitation agencies.
PSYCHOMETRICS and QUANTITATIVE PSYCHOLOGY:
Psychometric and quantitative
psychologists are concerned with the methods and techniques used to acquire and apply psychological
knowledge. A psychometrist revises old intelligence, personality, and aptitude tests and devises new
ones. Quantitative psychologists assist researchers in psychology or other fields to design experiments or
interpret their results. Psychometrists and quantitative psychologists are often employed in colleges and
universities, testing companies, private research firms, and government agencies.
PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW and FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: Psychology and the law studies
legal issues from a psychological perspective (e.g., how juries decide cases) and psychological questions
in a legal context (e.g., how jurors assign blame or responsibility for a crime). Forensic psychologists are
concerned with the applied and clinical facets of the law such as determining a defendant's competence to
stand trial or if an accident victim has suffered physical or neurological damage. Jobs in these areas are in
law schools, research organizations, community mental health agencies, and correctional institutions.
NEWER AREAS OF SUBSPECIALTY: Some relatively new specialties include cognitive
psychology, neuropsychology, and geropsychology. Neuropsychologists study the relation between the
brain and behavior. They often work in stroke and head injury programs. Geropsychologists deal with
the special problems faced by the elderly. The emergence and growth of these specialties reflects the
increasing participation of psychologists in providing direct services to special patient populations.
Where Do Psychologists Work?
The majority of work done by psychologists is in application and practice. Teaching, administration and
management, and research are next, in that order. Masters psychologist’s specialty areas include settings
with an emphasis in the fields of Clinical and Community; Developmental, Personality and Social
Counseling, Family, and School psychology. Doctorate level psychologists would also include an
emphasis in settings that are Experimental or Physiological in nature. Universities are the first settings
where the majority of psychologists work. Hospitals and clinics are second. Four year colleges are third.
In a tie for fourth place are: regional school districts, elementary and secondary schools, private practice,
government agencies, business and industry.
Working Conditions
A psychologist's specialty and place of employment determine working conditions. For example, clinical,
school, and counseling psychologists in private practice have pleasant, comfortable offices and set their
own hours. However, they often have evening hours to accommodate their clients. Some employed in
hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities often work evenings and weekends, while others in
schools and clinics primarily work regular daytime hours. Psychologists employed by academic
institutions divide their time among teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Some
maintain part-time consulting practices as well. In contrast to the many psychologists who have flexible
work schedules, most in government and private industry have more structured schedules. Reading and
writing research reports, they often work alone. Many experience deadlines, tight schedules, and
overtime work. Their routine may be interrupted frequently. Travel may be required to attend
conferences or conduct research.
Employment and Earnings
Earning potential in the field of psychology is dependent upon the amount of education obtained. The
employment outlook for psychologists with MAs and Ph.D.s is excellent, but is also dependent upon area
of specialization. The median starting salary in 2006-2007 for a new faculty member who was a new
doctorate recipient ranged from $48,500-$59,500. The median salary in 2006-2007 for full-time faculty
in U.S. Master’s Departments of Psychology range from $37,000 for Lecturers to $50,349 for Assistant
Professors to $63,450 for Associate Professors to $88,074 for Full Professors. The survey also revealed
that only 0.7% of all members of APA with Ph.D.s were unemployed, a rate significantly lower than for
other similarly prepared social scientists. Opportunities in both the private and public sectors should
increase as demand for the expertise of psychologists (e.g., to increase job satisfaction and performance)
and support for special groups (e.g., the aged) continues to grow. The future looks particularly promising
for those with advanced degrees in clinical, counseling, health, and industrial/organizational psychology.
In 2003, the median salary for Educational Administration ranged from $80,500-$145,000. The overall
median 11-12-month salary for Health Service Administrators at the doctoral level was $75,000. For
Research Positions, the median salary ranged from $52,000-$121,500. The overall 11-12-month median
salary for licensed doctoral-level Clinical Psychologists was $75,000. In Counseling Psychology, the
median salary ranged from $46,000-$90,500. The overall median 11-12-month salary for doctoral-level
Industrial/Organizational Psychologists was $105,000. The probability of attaining challenging and
rewarding employment with these degrees can be substantially enhanced with supporting education or
experience in quantitative research methods and computer applications. For more detailed information
regarding
employment
and
earnings,
please
visit
the
following
web-sites:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm and http://research.apa.org/
The B.A. in Psychology: Employment Opportunities
A simple response to the question, “What can I do with a B.A. in Psychology?” might be, “just about
anything that involves working with people.” It is important to remember, however, that the
undergraduate major in psychology is a liberal arts degree, not a professional degree. It does not make
you a psychologist or a professional counselor. These occupations require specific training at the
graduate level and are regulated by state law (see following section entitled, “How do I Become a
Psychologist?”). While some occupations in psychology require graduate training, there are many
interesting and rewarding career opportunities available to individuals with a bachelor’s degree in
psychology. Zeller (1988) attempted to delineate some of the specific job opportunities associated with
human services that are available for psychology graduates. Following is a partial list of the human
services job titles whose descriptions and qualifications are compatible with the knowledge and skills of a
college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
activity director
addiction counselor
admissions market analyst
admissions public relations director
admissions recruiter
adolescent care technician
adolescent chemical dependency counselor
advertising trainee
advisor-educator
affirmative action officer
agency representative
airline reservations clerk
alcohol counselor
arena and sports facility instructor
assistant youth coordinator
behavior analyst
camp staff director
caretaker
case worker
chemical dependency counselor
child care counselor
child care worker
child protection worker
circulation manager
college admissions representative
community correctional service worker
community outreach coordinator
community service coordinator
consultant
counselor aide
counselor/therapist
county personnel officer
customer relations
daily living aide
day-care aide
deputy juvenile probation officer
director of activity and recreation
director of alumni relations
director of day-care center
director of human services
director of education
director of planned parenthood
director of youth service bureau
educational salesperson
educational textbook representative
employee assistance program specialist
employment counselor
foster home parent
group home coordinator
group home counselor
group home parents
head of fund raising
house parent
human relations director
human services technician
infant stimulation teacher
instructor-handicapped adult program
insurance agent
investigator
juvenile justice planner
juvenile prevention program coordinator
management trainee
marketing manager
mental retardation professional
park and recreation director
personnel analyst
personnel coordinator
private school representative
private tutor
probation officer
police training coordinator
rehabilitation aide
research analyst/planner
research assistant
resident caretaker
residential director
resource developer
retail manager
salesperson
secretary
security officer
social service director or supervisor
social studies teacher
statistical assistant
trainer-coordinator
youth worker
How Do I Become a Psychologist?
The first step in becoming a psychologist is choosing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This
degree will provide you with a strong foundation to receive advanced training towards a graduate degree,
which will, in turn, lead you towards a career as a psychologist. For a career in psychology beyond the
supervised research or human services assistant level, graduate study is a must. Master’s degree
programs have two types: one is where they prepare you for immediate employment in applied settings
while the second type prepares you to enter a doctoral program. Some of these programs are within
institutions which do not offer a doctoral program. Thus, these graduates must apply to a doctoral
program once they fulfill the requirements for the master’s degree at that institution.
Secondly, not all of the credits are transferred from the master’s to the doctoral program, which may
mean a repetition of course work in the doctoral program. The number of credits accepted or not varies
from program to program. A Master’s degree is usually two years of full-time course work and any other
requirements per program needed in order to graduate. In a doctoral degree program, a minimum of four
years of study are the usual requirements. If your eventual goals include providing psychological
services, then another year of internship and an additional year of supervised practice may be applicable.
Usually, a graduate student works with a professor, learning how to conduct research.
Once the course work is completed, the student must pass the comprehensive exams and write and defend
his/her dissertation. These schools usually offer the traditional Ph.D. or Ed.D. diplomas. However, for
those interested in professional clinical, counseling, or school psychology, they may consider applying to
free-standing professional schools, some of which offer the Psy.D., which places a greater emphasis on
training students for professional practice, whereas the traditional programs emphasize a balance between
both research and practice. Students on the Psy.D. track usually complete the program in three years and
spend their fourth year in an internship.
An M.A. or an M.S. in Psychology is the equivalent of a terminal degree, in that, once you have received
a Master’s degree, then you may be eligible for licensure and Board certification as a school psychologist,
or Marriage and Family therapist. Many students choose the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) as an
alternative to Psychology. The licensed marriage and family therapist (M.F.T.) or the licensed clinical
social worker (L.C.S.W.) may practice as an independent therapist in the State of California. The M.S.W.
is transferable to all the states in order to practice. Each state and country will have different
requirements which you should make yourself aware of, if you intend to practice outside of California.
Once you have finished your graduate study and obtained your final degree, you are required by law to be
licensed or certified by a state board in order to enter into your own practice without any formal
supervision. However, before being allowed to take the licensing exam in psychology, the licensing
board reviews your educational background carefully, for such important features as APA accreditation of
the institution you graduated from.
INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY MINOR
A minor in Industrial/Organizational Psychology can be combined with a major in any field. A minimum
of 22 units in the areas of psychology and business is required for the Industrial/Organizational minor.
Those majoring in the fields of business, psychology, and sociology may find an Industrial/Organizational
Psychology minor especially helpful to their career goals, but those majoring in communications,
economics, political science, religion, and other fields, may find it equally beneficial. A minor in
Industrial/Organizational Psychology would help students gain admission to Master degree programs in
Business as well as Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The minor might also prepare students to
secure employment in the human services field immediately after graduation with a Bachelor’s degree.
Today, Industrial/Organizational psychologists continue to be active in offering services, through the
scientist/practitioner model, in settings that involve human resource management. They work in both
private and non-profit sectors and in government agencies. Many offer service as professional
consultants, managers, or evaluators. Other Industrial/Organizational psychologists are employed in the
public policy field, designing and promoting public and private sector businesses and programs that
address the psychological concerns of the work setting today. Industrial/Organizational psychologists are
employed in such fields as corporate industry, educational and research organizations, health and human
services. Master and Doctoral programs in Industrial/Organizational psychology encourage training at
the Bachelor’s level.
GRADUATE STUDY IN PSYCHOLOGY
Graduate School Admission Criteria
Undergraduate Course Work: Most graduate programs in psychology require or prefer the equivalent
of a major or minor in psychology. Furthermore, the faculty in these programs prefers that the student
receives a broad background in the principles of psychology and is exposed to a broad range of context
areas. They tend to prefer that students wait until graduate school to “specialize” in clinical or counseling
or developmental, etc. Courses outside the psychology major in math and science are also desirable.
Even for most clinical psychology programs, graduate selection committees prefer a background in
scientific and mathematical courses. In accord with this preference is the fact that the majority of
graduate programs in clinical, counseling, and experimental requires or recommends the statistics course.
Experimental and clinical graduate programs also tend to regard the Research Methods course and
psychology laboratory courses as very important. Experimental graduate programs tend to rank statistics,
experimental, and learning/cognitive as the most important undergraduate courses. Clinical and
counseling graduate programs tend to rank statistics, abnormal, experimental, personality, developmental,
testing, and learning, in that order, as most important. Educational graduate programs rank statistics,
developmental, testing, experimental, abnormal, and personality, in that order, as most important.
Undergraduate GPA: Individual program criteria vary but in general, master’s level programs usually
require a GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Doctoral programs require a higher GPA, typically 3.5 or higher.
Research and Clinical Experience: Most clinical and experimental graduate programs regard research
experience as very important, whereas counseling programs place more importance on clinical
experience. Undergraduates who have presented a paper at a convention or published a journal article
stand out among the many applicants to graduate programs. However, it is common for graduate school
applicants to list clinical fieldwork or practicum experience, so inclusions of that type will not necessarily
help you stand out as an applicant. It is generally expected for applicants to clinical or counseling
programs to have clinically related experience.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Most clinical and experimental graduate programs regard the
quantitative and verbal sections of the GRE as very important. The analytical psychology subtests are
generally viewed as less important than the other two. Counseling programs tend to regard the GRE
scores as moderately, rather than very, important. Scoring for the GRE has recently been revised. Instead
of a 200 to 800 score range with 10-point increments, scores are now presented on a 130 to 170 scale with
1-point increments. If you know the graduate schools to which you would like to apply, you can check
the current Graduate Study in Psychology for the schools' required and preferred GRE scores.
Letters of Reference: Most graduate programs require reference letters (also referred to as letters of
recommendation) from individuals who know you well. Most programs typically require 3 letters from
different individuals. Reference letters are the most important nonobjective criteria, so take care in who
you ask to write your letters. Seek out individuals to write a reference letter who have pertinent and
favorable things to say about you. Ask a professor to write a letter who, for example, is someone you
earned an A from and knows you personally. In choosing individuals to ask for reference letters, keep in
mind that academic sources are best. It is also important to make the job of your professor as easy as
possible by providing them with the necessary information to write a reference letter (see section entitled,
“Items to Include in a Reference Letter Package”).
More on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required by virtually every graduate program in psychology. It
consists of two separate three hour tests: (a) the General Test (composed of sections measuring verbal,
quantitative, and analytical abilities) and (b) a Subject Test that measures understanding of basic
psychological principles and facts. Most graduate programs require only the General Test, and the verbal
and quantitative scores of the General Test are commonly viewed as most important. Consult APA's
Graduate Study in Psychology to determine the specific requirements of individual programs.
Information about the test and registration is available at www.gre.org. Students often ask if it is possible
to study for the GRE. The answer is YES! There are two major reasons for this emphatic response, one
dealing with knowledge enhancement and the other with anxiety reduction. There are several published
study guides for the GRE. These guides contain sample tests and are designed primarily to prepare a
student to take the quantitative and verbal sections of the General Test. Study materials and practice
exams are also available at www.gre.com, www.greguide.com, www.princetonreview.com/gre,
www.mygretutor.com, and kaptest.com/GRE/. Students who intend to go to graduate school should
spend a number of serious hours studying for it. Re-reading lecture notes from psychology classes and
reviewing a copy of a recently published general psychology text book are the best ways to prepare for
the GRE Subject Test in psychology. Even if a student does not learn anything new while studying for
the GRE (which is highly unlikely), the process of becoming familiar with the type of material to be
tested and the format of the test itself will reduce test anxiety and increase test-taking speed. Another test
required by approximately 3-9% of graduate programs is the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) which consists
of 100 analogies administered in 50 minutes. A free booklet describing the MAT can be obtained from
the Psychological Corporation, 304 East 85th Street, New York, NY 10017.
Items to Include in a Reference Letter Packet
Once the individuals you have asked to write your reference letters (a.k.a., letters of recommendation)
have agreed, prepare a Reference Letter Packet to give to each individual who has agreed to write you a
letter. The packet should include the following items and should be given to referees at least 4-6 weeks
prior to the first deadline:




Checklist of schools you're applying to (and the program name) and recommendation deadlines
Recommendation forms and instructions that were supplied by each program (type your name;
indicate whether you waive your right to review the form, type in as much of the other
information as possible)
Resume (be sure to include a phone number)
Statement of your research interests and career goals




Grade point averages (overall and psychology)
List of psychology (or other relevant) courses completed and the grades you earned
GRE scores if available
Stamped envelopes addressed to each program the recommender is to send letters
How to Prepare a Personal Statement
Most graduate schools require a personal statement as a part of your application. This statement is often
centered around your interest in psychology, your personal background, the reasons you are applying to
that particular graduate program, and your career and personal objectives. Although a well-written
personal statement will not overcome poor grades or low GRE scores, a poor one will surely hurt your
chances of acceptance. Plan and produce your personal statement as carefully as you would a crucial
term paper. The following tips (quotes taken from Fretz & Stang, 1988) will help you produce an
effective personal statement:







Word-process your personal statement. It will require a series of drafts, and the inconvenience of
rewriting each draft with a conventional typewriter can make you willing to settle for a less-thanperfect final product.
Before you begin your statement for each school, read as much about their program as possible so
that you can tailor your statement to the program and convince the admissions committee that you
will fit their program like a glove. “Each year many applicants will write, for example, that they
want to attend the counseling psychology program at University X because they want to learn
how to counsel emotionally handicapped children--even though the program specifies in its
brochure that is does not provide training for work with young children. The selection committee
immediately rejects those candidates.”
Prepare an outline of the topics you want to cover (e.g., professional objectives and personal
background) and list supporting material under each main topic. Write a rough draft in which
you transform your outline into prose. Set it aside and read it a week later. If it still sounds good,
go to the next stage. If not, rewrite it until it sounds right.
Check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization carefully. Nothing detracts from
the contents of a statement more than these types of errors. Avoid slang words that make you
sound uneducated, and overly elaborate words or stilted language that will make you appear
pompous or pretentious.
Ask two of your teachers to read your first rough draft and make suggestions. Incorporate these
suggestions into your second rough draft. Ask for another reading and set of suggestions, and
then prepare your final statement.
Your final statement should be as brief as possible--two double-spaced pages are sufficient. Stick
to the points requested by each program, and avoid lengthy personal or philosophical discussions.
If your statement sounds egocentric or boring, those who read it will assume you are egocentric
or boring.
Do not feel badly if you do not have a great deal of experience in psychology to write about; no
one who is about to graduate from college does! Do explain your relevant experiences (e.g.,
Field work jobs, service learning, or research projects), but do not try to turn them into events of
cosmic proportion. “Be honest, sincere, and objective--that is the only way to impress the
evaluators that you are a person who is already taking a mature approach to life.”
A Suggested Timeline for Graduate School Application
Following is a timetable of things to do while in college to assist students who plan to attend graduate
school. It may be helpful to post a copy of this time-line in an obvious place and check the activities as
you finish them.
FRESHMAN YEAR
$
$
Complete PSYC 210
Enroll in GE requirements
SOPHOMORE YEAR
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Complete the majority of GE requirements
Complete PSYC 250 and PSYC 310
Become acquainted with at least one or two faculty members in the psychology department
Determine eligibility for Psi Chi
Explore fieldwork opportunities in clinical settings
Investigate various career choices
Enroll in courses helpful for graduate school (biological sciences, mathematics, writing, public
speaking)
Talk with your teachers who conduct research and/or clinical activities of interest to you and
discuss the possibility of becoming involved in these activities with them
Find out what psychology conferences are held in your region and attend as many as possible
Read publications related to careers in psychology and preparing for graduate school (see section
entitled, “Informational Resources for Psychology Majors”)
Maintain a grade of "B" or better in all psychology courses which will greatly enhance your
chances of graduate school acceptance or employment in the field of psychology
JUNIOR YEAR
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Complete PSYC 315
Take more advanced psychology courses
Become involved in a research project with a faculty member as part of the Psychology Honors
Program, an independent study project, or the undergraduate summer research program
Develop a tentative list of faculty to write letters of recommendation
Attend state, regional, and national psychology conventions and conferences
Participate in fieldwork through course work or individual supervising faculty
Begin investigation of prospective graduate programs and requirements
Investigate summer jobs or educational/research opportunities related to psychology
SUMMER PRIOR TO SENIOR YEAR
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Write to prospective schools to obtain information and application forms - ask for an application
packet and information about financial aid
Begin preparation for the GRE
Prepare a resume emphasizing your psychology-related extracurricular activities (e.g., meetings
and volunteer work), research experience, and work in clinical settings
Put away a little extra money to pay for application fees (some schools waive this fee because of
financial hardship; this needs to be checked with each school)
Obtain summer employment, experience, or education related to psychology
SENIOR YEAR - First Semester
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Take the GRE not later than October (request that scores be sent to all of the schools you will
apply to) - apply early - not later than the first week of September
Complete personal statement and have it checked by a faculty member
Request letters of recommendation from faculty (include referee packet)
Submit an abstract of a research project to a regional or national conference
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Request that your undergraduate transcripts be sent to all of the institutions you are applying to
Obtain information on available fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and loans not associated
with the institutions to which you plan to apply
Send completed applications to schools (make sure you photocopy each in its entirety)
Follow up with the individuals writing your letters of recommendation one week before each
deadline with a thank-you note (a "friendly" reminder to ensure that your information has been
sent)
Check before Christmas to be certain all materials, especially recommendations, have been sent
Most incomplete applications result from missing letters of recommendation
SENIOR YEAR - Second Semester
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Present your research at a regional or national conference
Follow-up with schools to confirm that your application is complete
Prepare for possible preselection interviews
Expect first choice offers to be made by graduate schools before April 1; however, vacancies may
occur any time prior to the fall semester, due to changes in plans of those already accepted
Celebrate - You’ve survived the application process!
Applying for Graduate Funding
Several forms of graduate funding are available to provide financial support for students attending
graduate school. Forms of graduate funding include the following:
Fellowships -- scholarships for graduate study
Grants -- monetary awards usually to conduct a research project
Teaching assistantships -- part-time teaching apprenticeships
Research assistantships -- part-time research apprenticeships
Available funding opportunities vary by school. Students should inquire at each school to determine
sources of funding for which he/she may qualify. In considering whether to apply for funding, keep in
mind the following advantages associated with graduate funding:
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Attractiveness of the student's application for admission to graduate school will be increased. If a
student is able to secure a portable fellowship (e.g., a National Science Foundation Graduate
Fellowship or a Ford Foundation Fellowship), admissions committees see this achievement as an
indication of future academic success. In addition, schools do not have to worry about securing
funding for the student.
Total amount of student loans for graduate school will be minimized.
Decrease in the time it takes to complete graduate training. Students, who have a fellowship or
grant, may not need to work part-time to fund their education. Less time at work (especially
work unrelated to graduate training) translates into more time with studies and research.
Attractiveness of the student's application for clinical internships will be enhanced. Winning a
fellowship or grant marks identifies one as a top student and a potential scholar/star in the field.
Graduate funding demonstrates to potential employers that the student has the ability to convince
funding agencies that their work is worth funding.
Increased ability to obtain future funding. A track record of securing funding helps in securing
future funding.
Following are examples of portable fellowships:
National Science Foundation
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
P.O. Box 3010, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
Award: $15,000 stipend + $9,500 cost-of-education allowance per year for 3 years within a 5-year period
Ford Foundation (fellowships for ethnic minorities)
Voice: (202) 334-2872
Award: A stipend of approximately $11,500 per year for 3 years for pre-doctoral fellowships and a
stipend of approximately $18,000 for 1 year for dissertation fellowships
American Psychological Association
Minority Fellowship Program
750 First Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242
Voice: (202) 336-6027, FAX: (202) 336-6012
E-mail: mfp@apa.org
Award: Maximum of $10,000 per year for a maximum of 2-3 years
INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS
The following publications contain information about careers in psychology and information pertaining to
graduate school admission.
American Association of State Psychology Boards. (Updated). Entry requirements for professional
practice of psychology: A guide for students and faculty. New York: Author. (Available from
the Office of Professional Affairs, APA, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036)
American Psychological Association. (Rev. biannually). Graduate study in psychology and associated
fields. Washington, D.C.: Author. (Address: American Psychological Association, 1200 17th
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036)
American Psychological Association, Division of Consumer Psychology. (Updated).
consumer psychology. Washington, D.C.: Author. (See address above.)
Careers in
American Psychological Association, Division of Military Psychology. (Updated). Military psychology:
An overview. Washington, D.C.: Author. (See address above.)
American Psychological Association, Division of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. (Updated).
A career in industrial-organizational psychology. Washington, D.C.: Author. (See APAAccredited Doctoral Programs in Professional Psychology: 1995. American Psychologist, 50
(12), 1069-1080.
American Psychological Association, Division of School Psychology. (Updated). The school
psychologist. Washington, D.C.: Author. (See address above.)
American Psychological Association. (2007). Getting In. American Psychological Association,
Washington, D.C.: Author.
Halgrin, R.P. (1986). Advising undergraduates who wish to become clinicians. Teaching of Psychology,
13(1), 7-12.
Norcross, J.C., Sayette, M.A., & Mayne, T.J. (2012). Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical
and Counseling Psychology. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Peterson, D.R. (1997). Educating professional psychologists: History and guiding conception.
Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
Sternberg, J.R. (2008). Career paths in psychology: Where your degree can take you. Washington, D.C.:
American Psychological Association.
REFERENCES
American Psychological Association. (2008). Getting In. American Psychological Association,
Washington, D.C.: Author.
American Psychological Association. (Revised biannually).
associated fields. Washington, D.C.: Author.
Graduate study in psychology and
APA-Accredited Doctoral Programs in Professional Psychology: 1995. American Psychologist, 50 (12),
1069-1080.
Appleby, D. (1995). Department Handbook for Students. Office of Teaching Resources in Psychology
and the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA Division 2).
Fretz, B. R., & Stang, D. J. (1988). Preparing for graduate study in psychology: Not for seniors only!
Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
Halgrin, R.P. (1986). Advising undergraduates who wish to become clinicians. Teaching of Psychology,
13(1), 7-12.
Mayne, T.J., Norcross, J.C., & Sayett, M.A. (1994). Admission requirements, Acceptance rates, and
financial assistance in clinical psychology programs. American Psychologist, 49 (9), 806-811.
Norcross, J.C., Hanych, J.M., & Terranova, R.D. (1996). Graduate Study in Psychology: 1992-1993.
American Psychologist, 51 (6), 631-643.
Norcross, J.C., Sayette, M.A., & Mayne, T.J. (2012). Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical
and Counseling Psychology. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Wise, P. S. (1988). Psychology, your major, and you. In P. J. Woods (Ed.), Is psychology for them?: A
guide to undergraduate advising. (pp. 9-13). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological
Association.
Zeller, M. J. (1988). Titles of jobs in human services for students with a bachelor's degree in psychology.
In P. J. Woods (Ed.), Is psychology for them?: A guide to undergraduate advising. (pp. 195-196).
Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
Division of Social Sciences
Pepperdine University
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Malibu, California 90263